Introduced in 1985/86 . Replicating a similar original concept of the AF TC-16 for
the Nikon F3AF SLR camera, this autofocus optical teleconverter is designed specifically
for some of the earlier AF Nikon SLR camera models where during those days, Nikon
was damn slow in introducing their various AF Nikkor lenses and the TC-16A was served
as an interim measure to bridge the vacuum to enable those AF cameras be able to
use the enormous range of Manual Focus Nikkor lenses for autofocus applications.

This converter was recommended for use on Nikkors
up to 300mm in focal length with widest apertures of at least f/2.8 for faster - It is
almost a full stop slower than the previous TC-16 which requires a minimum lens speed
of f/2.0. This has indeed opened up a lot of possibility with many of the Manual
Focus Nikkor lenses within the Nikkor lens family as it does provides some autofocus
capability to the applicable MF Nikkor lenses. Well, there are some shortcomings
in its operation too, as this is not entirely an AF converter, because it needs to
work with an AF Camera body, besides, it cannot focus from the primary lens from
its closest focusing distance all the way to infinity espeically its close focus
ability with longer focal length lenses is also very limited. But it does provides
precise critical focus operation with the right combination of lens/camera. Whatever
it is, a pity fact remains, there were not many Nikon SLR camera bodies that has
benefited directly from the superb basic concept of this AF Teleconverter as obviously
such move might be affecting Nikon's subsequent commercial interest. Frankly, there
was not enough product knowledge being channeled to users in relation to the incompatibility
problem.

Important Notes: Nikon cautions in their original TC-16A user's
manual that this Autofocus Converter TC-16A cannot be used with any camera other
than the Nikon F-501/N2020*
but some of the later camera bodies such as F801, Nikon
F4, F90 may also be used with the Converter but a word of caution, the TC-16A was
never meant for use with any AF lenses. If you have a Nikon AF camera
body, use the TC-14A/B with those AF Nikkor lenses instead. * Note:
The Nikon N2020 and N2000 are sold exclusively in the U.S.A. and Canadian markets.

Nikkor/Series
E Lens/TC-16A Compatibility Chart Only the AI-type (excluding AI-modified) lenses
listed below can be used with the TC-16A, use of other lenses may damage the TC-16A.
Also note that the TC-16A/lens assembly cannot be attached to another
teleconverter.

Mounting the Lens on a TC-16APosition
the lens in the TC-16A's bayonet mount lining up the aperture index on the lens with
the lens mounting index on the TC-16A. Twist lens counterclockwise until it clicks
into place. To mount telephoto lenses having a tripod collar twist the TC-16A clockwise
until it click stops.

To remove:
Press the lens release button on the TC16A and turn the lens clockwise until it comes
off. With telephoto lenses having a tripod collar turn the TC-16A counterclockwise
instead.

MOUNTING THE ASSEMBLY ON THE CAMERA BODY B1.B2 Position the assembly in the
cameras bayonet mount, lining up the camera mounting index on the TC-16A with the
lens mounting index on the camera body. Twist the assembly counterclockwise until
it clicks into place. With telephoto lenses having a tripod collar, twist the camera
clockwise until it click stops.

To remove:
Press the lens release button on the camera and turn the assembly clockwise until
it comes off. With telephoto lenses having a tripod collar, turn the camera counterclockwise
instead.

BASIC OPERATION FOR AUTOFOCUS 1. Set the lens focus ring to the infinity (Oo.)
position. 2. Set the F-501/N2020 cameras focus mode selector to S for Single Servo
Autofocus, or C for Continuous Servo Autofocus. 3. Lightly press the cameras shutter
release bunion to start autofocus detection. At the same time, the focus indicator
LED lights up inside the cameras viewfinder.
4. Confirm whether green in-focus indicator LED lights up, then fully depress the
shutter release button to take picture (s). For details about focus indicator LEDs,
see the F-501/N2020 camera instruction manual.

With a subject outside the focus detection range, the focus-not-possible warning
(x) or focus-to-left
indicator (<) remains lit inside
the viewfinder. In this case turn the lens focus ring to the left. The distance set
on the lens becomes the maximum shooting distance of the focus detection range, so
its focus detection range - from maximum to minimum - is correspondingly shifted.
For example, with the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens, the focus detection range shifts as
shown in the diagram.Note: With the lens set
at or near its closest focus distance, it is possible to focus a subject at a distance
closer than the lens closest focus distance. Note, however, that picture quality
may be somewhat impaired.

When a wide autofocus operation range is required: 1. Remove the TC-16A and
lens from the camera and reattach the lens (only) to the camera 2 To set the desired
maximum distance on the lens, focus manually; 3. Reattach the TC-16A between the
camera body and lens without moving the lens focus ring; 4. Center the camera's focus
brackets on a subject at the desired minimum distance and lightly press the shutter
release button to start the autofocus function. If the in-focus indicator LED lights
up, you can perform autofocus operation within the desired distance range determined
by the lens focus ring setting. If the in-focus indicator LED does not appear and
the focus-not-possible warning^ or focus-to-left arrow remains lit, the focus detection
range determined by the lens focus ring setting is not appropriate for your desired
shooting range. Turn the lens focus ring to the left or right during autofocus operation
depending on the subject distance. Focus-not-possible warning also remains lit with
an improper subject for autofocus. For details, see the camera's instruction manual.

Note for Exposure Determination With the TC-16A attached, the lens' effective
aperture decreases by 1-1/3 f/stops. To prevent incorrect exposure, set aperture
to f/1.8 or smaller (larger f-number). In M mode only, refer to the table below,
then compensate exposure.
In A mode, make sure the shutter speed in the viewfinder is slower than 1/500sec.

Lens maximum aperture

Compensation amount

f/1.2

- 2/3 stop

f/1.4

- 1/3 stop

TC-16A Maintenance

* Always keep AF contacts
clean. * Do not shock or jolt
the TC-16A. * If condensation forms
on the TC 16A body, wipe with a dry soft cloth. *
To clean glass surfaces, use a blower brush. To remove condensation or fingerprints
from glass surfaces, wipe with a soft, clean cotton cloth moistened with absolute
alcohol. Use a spiral motion from center to periphery, making sure you leave no wiping
traces. If you use ether in cleaning the glass surfaces, smudges may appear on the
surfaces. If this happens, wipe smudges with a cotton cloth moistened with absolute
alcohol. * Attach both front
and rear caps when the TC-16A is stored separately *
Avoid storing TC-16A in high-temperature, high-humidity places

Credit: MCLau®, who has helped to rewrite
some of the content appeared this site. Chuck Hester® who has been helping
me all along with the development of all these Nikon websites;LarsHolst Hansen, 'Hawkeye'
who shares the same passion I have; Ms Rissa, Sales manager
from Nikon Corporation Malaysia for granting permission to use some of the official
content; TedWengelaar,Holland
who
has helped to provide many useful input relating to older Nikkor lenses; Some of the references
on production serial numbers used in this site were extracted from Roland Vink's website; HiuraShinsaku from Nikomat
Club Japan. Lastly,
to all the good people who has contributed their own expeience, resources or kind
enough granted permission to use their images of their respective optic in this site.
It is also a site to remember a long
lost friend
on the Net.Note:certain content and
images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets
& brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality
of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible
for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification."Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu
KK"
& "Nikkor" are registered
tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple IMac.